I joined the Marine Corps right after I graduated from South Boston High school in June 1967 at 18 years of age.

I spent the summer in the red and black flag weather of Parris Island. After combat engineer school at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina, and machine gun school at 29 Palms, California, I arrived in Da Nang on December 31,1967. I was assigned to the 11th Engineer Bn., 3rd Marine Div., operating out of Dong Ha, ten miles from the DMZ.

After serving 13 months, I rotated home; and, after a short leave, I was with the 8th Engineer Bn., 2nd Mar. Div., at Camp Lejuene.

In May of 1969, I went back to Nam on a second tour of duty. I was assigned to the 1st Engineer Bn., 1st Marine Div., operating out of Da Nang.

During my two tours, I built and destroyed. I blew up tunnels, arms caches, blasted out mountain top fire bases and conducted patrols, clearing roads of mines and booby traps. I also spent some time out in the bush with 1/7 and 3/7.

During my second tour, I achieved the rank of Corporal and was a squad leader. I was discharged on April 4, 1970, after serving 2 years and 9 months in the Corps.

Of that time, 23 months was spent in Viet Nam. I got to go on 3 R&R's. I spent a week in Toyko, 5 days in Hong Kong, and 5 days in Manila.

After my transfer to the 1st Civilian Division in Boston, I went to various technical schools, some of which were the IBM data processing center, and Massachusetts Radio and TV. I have been working as an electronic technician since 1974 and have been a continuing education student at Massasoit Community College since 1991. I hope to get a degree in Communications. I am happily married with 4 children.

---

Dave Perkins can be reached on the Internet at: d1chucky@aol.com

Back